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[The epidemiology of heart failure in the elderly]
J A Gallego Catalán1, S García Domínguez, M T Anaya Casbas
1Centro de Salud Delicias Sur, Zaragoza.
Insights
The prevalence of chronic cardiac failure (CCF) in the elderly is 6.3%, increasing with age. Arterial hypertension is the primary cause, linked to nearly half of all cases.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric cardiology
- Epidemiology of cardiovascular disease
Context:
- Chronic cardiac failure (CCF) is a significant health concern in aging populations.
- Understanding local prevalence and etiology is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence and etiological factors of CCF in individuals aged 65 and older within a specific health area.
- To compare findings with international data.
Summary:
- A retrospective study of 1,635 individuals over 65 in Zaragoza revealed a 6.3% CCF prevalence.
- Prevalence was higher in those over 75 (8.5%) compared to the 65-74 age group (4.5%).
- Key etiologies included arterial hypertension (50.9%), coronary failure (21.2%), and valvulopathies (22.1%).
Impact:
- This study highlights a higher CCF prevalence in the studied community compared to other countries.
- Findings underscore the critical role of arterial hypertension management in preventing CCF among the elderly.
Objective:
To find the prevalence and aetiology of chronic cardiac failure (CCF) among elderly people in a health area.
Design:
Retrospective, crossover study.
Setting:
Delicias Sur Health Centre, Zaragoza.
Patients And Other Participants:
A representative sample of the population over 65 registered at the Health Centre. Systematic random sampling: n = 1,635.
Measurements And Main Results:
104 cases of cardiac failure were identified, which corresponded to a 6.3% (+/- 0.01) prevalence. By age groups, prevalence was 4.5% (+/- 0.01) for the 65-74 group and 8.5% (+/- 0.02) for those over 75. Regarding aetiology, 50.9% was due to arterial hypertension, 21.2% coronary failure, 22.1% valvulopathies and 17.3% reason unknown.
Conclusions:
CCF prevalence in the community increases with age and in our ambit exceeds that found in other countries. Almost half the cases are related to arterial hypertension.